Rajon Rondo Says He’ll ‘Absolutely’ Be A Coach After He Retires

For all of his perceived faults, Rajon Rondo has built a reputation throughout his career as one of the savviest basketball minds of his generation. He’s certainly had high-profile clashes with his various coaches over the years, but his leadership skills, basketball IQ, and the respect he’s earned among his teammates is unassailable.

Last season in Chicago after Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade were critical of some of the Bulls players’ effort, Rondo was the first to jump to their defense. Now that he’s reunited with former teammate DeMarcus Cousins in New Orleans, the fiery big man has nothing but praise for the veteran point guard.

In a recent joint interview with Shams Charania of The Vertical, Cousins gushed about having Rondo back in the fold, and when Charania asked whether he might someday transfer those leadership traits to the coaching chair, Rondo didn’t hesitate with his answer.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most intelligent and best basketball players ever. But he also bristled with Laker teammates and made no friends in the league. That’s what has kept him from being a HC in the NBA.

Rondo may have a great basketball mind but he’s straight-up hated by most the organizations he’s played with. Its a petty league, management as much as players – we know that now more than ever. Any team would benefit greatly from having him mentor young backcourt players but I don’t see it happening.